Thursday 22 December 2016

Laos Hongsa To Houay Xai



Last day of the trip riding from Hongsa to Houay Xai and then home, I’ve done this route several times with a few variations it still remains a great ride although the  banana plantations are not so pleasant.







Total distance 372 km


An early start was called for promising some nice views above the clouds and we would not be disappointed. Although my bike decided to have an off day and once started the throttle was half open for the rest of the day which turned out to be a problem with the FPS sensor, so made for an interesting ride.










Nice shot of the road following the ridge line.







Stopped to take some shots of the beautiful Wat Ban Kham.





















Beautiful paintings i am sure the interior would be even more spectacular but sadly all locked up.













Lots of attention from the kids as we gassed up.











The new bypass road at Pakkhop is almost completed.










We reached the ferry and got aboard.
















We had to jump ship after this idiot got himself well stuck.











Take two onto the larger ferry.











Once across the once lovely single track is now long gone.







The terrible banana plantations.







Left to rot.







First glimpse of the mighty Mekong.






The ferry crossing was not on the gps, will have to make a note to try it next trip.






Rapids section.







Yet more bananas.







Last year this long long straight section was badly rutted and thick with bull dust .











Banana plantation waiting to be cultivated i am sure the ground is full of chemicals.







Well thats it, we made it to the bridge tired and dusty, it had been a very enjoyable trip with no real drama’s and surprisingly got a free escort over the bridge back home. Leaving Laos is always with a touch of sadness knowing when you return most trails you have ridden will have disappeared. Until next time.




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